Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens Welcomes New Animals

Published: August 29, 2014

My family and I love exploring zoos around the state, which is a great way to introduce kids to different species of animals, create fantastic learning opportuniites and soak up the Florida sunshine all at once.

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford recently welcomed the addition of two new animals to their permanent collections. A rare albino cottonmouth snake and a male African warthog are now on exhibit for viewing 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily.

The cottonmouth's color is rare, the result of genetic mutation called albinism, which is the inability to produce brown or black pigment. Reptiles with this disorder tend not to survive in the wild -- with no camouflaging coloration, they can't easily hide from predators.

The African warthog comes to Central Florida from the Montgomery Zoo in Alabama and weighs 250 pounds. I was shocked to learn that they can run up to speeds of 35 miles per hour. That's a fast pig!

Insider Tip: Check the zoo’s calendar of events for a great lineup of activities. The Night Hike at the Zoo takes families on a guided flashlight tour of the zoo, along with close-up encounters with animals in the Discovery Center.